Meet Alisha Archibald, Founder and President of So Rare They Stare (SRTS) Vitiligo Awareness and co-host of World Vitiligo Day-USA in Atlanta in June.

Alisha is an active role model in her local community, while leaving herself open and available to those who may have found her on social media platforms. “Knowing you have support is essential for those living with Vitiligo because it gives you wings,” comments Alisha.

She adds that, “Most of us with Vitiligo would rather you politely ask us questions instead of just staring.”

Alisha shares, “SRTS was birthed out of a place of struggle and frustration. Although I had support from some family and friends, they still could not relate to what I was experiencing. Even my dermatologist had limited answers.

Because there were no local support groups in my community, I knew I had to create a safe space for others like me. SRTS’s mission is to EDUCATE and ENCOURAGE. I am so proud of the work that has been done to empower others. I smile and sometimes tear when elderly women say to me “thank you, I’m freeeeee” or when a mother calls me and asks if I would speak to her daughter who is having a hard time. The biggest surprise was when a grown man reached out crying and asked if I could just pray for him because he was struggling and believing that God would heal him from Vitiligo. I’m humbled by the positive impact SRTS has made in the lives of others!

I realized my purpose and passion in life was to help others, especially the ones who feel left out or ignored. I’ve never been afraid to speak up. So after developing Vitiligo, being an advocate came easily.”

Alisha, along with her WVD 2023 co-hosts, Justin T. Hall and Perry Whaley, have an amazing program lined up for the weekend. In her words, “We have an itinerary packed full of goodies for everyone but I’m super pumped about our Purple Affair Ball on Saturday evening when everyone can let loose!”

Thank you, Alisha, for all you do for the Vitiligo community!